Shirley Frances (Firth) Moores

In the early hours of July 7, 2020, Shirley Frances (Firth) Moores journeyed to meet her beloved husband, parents, siblings and friends whose loving embraces will welcome her to the Kingdom of Heaven. She will be certain to entertain them, once again, with her vibrant personality, animated banter and cheeky grin.

Shirley was, first and foremost, a wife, mother, and grandmother, as family was the essence of her being. She met David, her husband of 62 years, while in elementary school. Their union was a partnership of love and devotion; a true and beautiful joining of hearts and souls.

She was extremely proud of their only child, Brian, and championed his endeavours as a youngster through to, and during, adulthood. Having been heartily accepted into the family, Viola was fortunate to benefit from Shirley's nurturing personality. Ashley and Daron were her ultimate blessings and they will forever treasure the memories of her love, warmth, lively spirit and unexpected antics.

Born in Robinsonville, N.B., on August 18,1935, Shirley followed her soulmate to Toronto as a teenager and subsequently to Hamilton. Nursing perfectly fit her compassionate and caring nature and she was a vigorous advocate for the more vulnerable in her care. Upon retirement, she and David moved to Ottawa to be near their son and his family.

Music was a constant in her life and she enjoyed singing along as Brian played her favourite country songs. She also loved to dance, and she and David hosted many house parties where fun and good companionship built warm memories.

Shirley believed that “doing your best” should govern all undertakings, and she certainly applied that principle to both her work and personal life. A woman of unassailable faith guided by “The Big Hand”, Shirley faced her prognosis in the stoic manner with which she confronted all challenges. She calmly repeated “Be happy for me” and frequently reminded everyone that she had had a good life. Brian and Viola found it a distinct privilege to care for her in their home during her last months and were comforted to know that she was at peace surrounded by love and family. They will be forever grateful for the opportunity to give to her what she had so readily, and often, given to others.

Her son, Brian, and his family, Viola, Ashley (Jon Barclay) and Daron are mourning her loss as are her sisters, Bernice Cooling, Irene Cooling and Gail (George) Ribbich, along with special nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was pre-deceased by her husband, David, her parents, Earl and Rufena (Cleveland) Firth, and her sisters, Ila Sullivan, Helen Cooling and her brother Roy (Bud) Firth.

The "pair of old sneakers" is interlaced once again